Bloodsport DVD > Reviews > Van-Dammeinator in Ridiculous fun shocker!

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Satisfactory
Characters / Performances	Unmemorable
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	Exciting martial arts action
Disadvantages:	Comedy acting and cheesy dialogue  -  but this probably adds to the charm

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Every now and then it's nice to get away from the latest critically acclaimed opius or intelligent, yet three hour long masterpiece and instead watch something less taxing on the brain cells (and the backside) for the sake of enjoyment.

Bloodsport fits that bill rather nicely as a piece of ridiculous cheesy martial arts rubbish, which is nonetheless enjoyable and exciting guff.

Jean Claude Van Damme stars in one of his more memorable roles, as martial artist Frank Dux, journeying to Hong Kong to participate in a secret martial arts tournament called the Kumite. Here the action takes on a ridiculously choreographed ballet routine of high kicks and leg sweeps (far away from the quick and rapid actions of real experts like Jackie Chan and Jet Li), as the warriors from around the world make their way forward to be crowned kumite champion.

It really is silly stuff - the acting is risible at best, although Van Damme has a kind of naive charm found lacking in some of his later movies. Donald Gibb provides light comedy relief as the loud-mouthed brash American fighter and Leah Aryes is particularly flakey as the reporter trying to sneak into the kumite to get a story. But Bolo Yeung is on top form as the menacing and savage current kumite champion Chong Li - probably because he has little of the cheesily scripted dialogue to speak, instead using his actions as words.

But its the action that takes centre stage making this film a real entertaining joy. It's not the best articulation of martial arts ever devised for the screen - but for the tournament based setting, it's entirely appropriate. Van Damme's high kicking and multiple angled shots of one kick are quite exhiliarating. The action is fast paced and punchy and when Van Damme is involved it's often quite spectacular.

Other than a few violent, possibly stomach churning sections (involving a nasty bear hug, a broken leg and a nose splattering headbutt) this is a highly entertaining film. If you can forgo the poor acting and script, there is quite a bit of fun to be had from on of Van Damme's better movies.

Overall - it's the film Streetfighter should have been and The Quest tries hard to emulate Bloodsport, minus the daftness, light comedy aspects and the fact the film doesn't take itself too seriously. An enjoyable film, no more, no less!